Real Madrid's injury woes, especially in their backline, appear to prevail as doubts surface over the availability of another of their centre-backs, Dean Huijsen, for the upcoming El Clasico this month.
Los Blancos are set to face their archrivals, Barcelona, for the first time this season on October 26 at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid were unable to secure a victory in any of the Clasicos during the campaign, making the upcoming one more significant for Los Blancos in terms of achieving a win.
Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso is already missing Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Antonio Rudiger due to their respective muscle injuries, while Ferland Mendy has just returned to training from a long-term injury.
Now, doubts over Huijsen's fitness have also surfaced after he suffered a micro-tear in his left soleus muscle during Real Madrid's clash against Villarreal earlier this month. Despite the discomfort, the 20-year-old was on the pitch full-time.
Huijsen withdrew from Spain's national team training camp due to muscle fatigue and began intensive rehab under Madrid's medical team, according to Diario AS.
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Reports have suggested that even though Huijsen was initially expected to be sidelined for 12–15 days, placing his potential return just before the Clasico, the progress in his recovery has been slower than previously hoped.
Despite the cruciality of the Clasico, Real Madrid are also expected to be cautious and patient with Hujisen's injury in order to prevent a setback that will keep him out of the pitch for longer amid their injury-riddled defence.
What's next for Dean Hujisen and Real Madrid?
Hujisen has reportedly been putting in long hours at the training base for his gym work, along with physiotherapy, while taking short breaks to maintain his mental fitness.
It remains to be seen if the Spanish defender will be able to fully recover and return to the pitch against Barcelona.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will face Getafe next in La Liga on Sunday at Coliseum Stadium, followed by hosting Juventus at Santiago Bernabeu for their third Champions League clash of the season on October 22.
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